British film Gravity left its cinema rivals spiralling down to earth at this year’s EE Bafta Awards.

The space drama, starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, swept to a leading six awards from a leading 11 nominations but failed to win best film which went to 12 years a slave – directed by British star Steve McQueen.

Gravity’s English producer David Heyman didn’t let his stinking cold stop him from taking to the stage as the 3D flick swept to the Outstanding British Film prize, sound, original music, cinematography, special visual effects and director prizes.

British star Chiwetel EJiofor caused an upset when the East Londoner beat heavy weights Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks and Christian Bale to the best actor prize.

The 36-year-old 12 Years A Slave star dedicated his gold mask to his late father and the film’s British director Steve McQueen who he told: ‘it’s yours but I’m going to keep it.’

Heyman’s Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron dubbed himself an honorary Brit when he beat Steve McQueen and Martin Scorsese to the director’s gong to make it six for Gravity.

Australian star Cate Blanchett won the best actress prize for Blue Jasmine and dedicated her award to her late mate, Philip Seymour Hoffman, who she dubbed affectionately a ‘bastard’ and hailed his ‘monumental talent’ after died of a drug overdose this month in New York.

The 28-year-old Somalian Captain Phillips star brought his sister along as his date to calm his nerves at the Baftas.

Cate Blanchett took home the Best Actress award (Picture: EPA)

‘It’s surreal. I’m honoured and humbled. I was passionate about becoming a director. I just love film,’ he said.

Abdi was set with the daunting task of starring across from screen legend Tom Hanks in the pirate flick and was thrown in the deep end literally.

‘I didn’t meet Tom until the first scene in the film. It was really nerve wracking.’

Hollywood sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence was a no-show to pick up her Bafta. The 23-year-old Oscar winner added the golden mask to her trophy collection for her role in American Hustle, seeing off Oprah Winfrey and Sandra Bullock to the best supporting actress gong.